Horsham town centre came alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Sussex as residents and visitors flocked to the Carfax for a hugely successful Big Nibble food and drink festival on Sunday 6 September.
Held from 10am to 4pm, the event brought together around 30 local food and drink businesses, along with talented chefs and enthusiastic visitors for a vibrant day celebrating the very best of Sussex produce.
Organised by Horsham District Council and Food Rocks Markets, the Big Nibble built on the success of the Sussex Six market in 2025 and showcased an impressive array of Sussex producers. From artisan foods and local delicacies to award-winning drinks, the event highlighted the quality, innovation and passion that make Sussex a leading food and drink destination.
This year’s event also featured a special celebration of Sussex honey products, marking 100 years of a world-famous honey-loving bear. Visitors enjoyed a range of honey-themed produce and had the opportunity to learn more about the county’s beekeeping heritage at the event’s ‘Sussex Beehive’ market feature, sponsored by Schroders.
One of the day's highlights was the live cookery theatre, hosted by local food expert Hilary Knight. Top Sussex chefs from local businesses, including Horsham’s FELIX Bistro and South Lodge, showcased their skills using locally sourced ingredients such as Sussex lamb, south coast seafood and local wild venison. They entertained audiences with cooking tips, tasters and demonstrations.
Visitors also enjoyed the return of Little Notes’ much-loved fruit and veg band, alongside new attractions including live window painting by local artist Annalees of Whistlestop Arts, photo opportunities with a buzzy bee mascot and performances from Big Notes Choir.
Cllr Jonathan Taylor, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Property, said: "The Big Nibble was a fantastic celebration of everything that makes Sussex food and drink so special. It was wonderful to see so many people supporting local producers and enjoying the incredible range of products on offer.
Events like this play an important role in supporting our local businesses, visitor economy and rural communities while encouraging people to discover the benefits of buying locally. The atmosphere throughout the day was truly exceptional and demonstrated the strong community spirit that makes Horsham such a vibrant place to live, visit and enjoy."
The Big Nibble took place alongside the Horsham Tap & Vine Takeover Weekend, organised by Firebird Brewery, Your Horsham and Visit Horsham. Across the town, pubs and venues showcased local beverages and helped create a weekend-long celebration of Sussex hospitality.
The event attracted strong crowds throughout the day and received positive feedback from visitors and traders alike, further strengthening Horsham District’s reputation as a destination for outstanding local food and drink experiences.